Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Reviews
5,214 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very interesting but loooong tour
brianpH2835EL,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Denise was very knowledgeable and gave some very interesting facts and included some personal experiences with her own family. My only complaint, as a senior, was we walked a long ways and climbed a lot of stairs with no place to sit down. Not at all Denise‘sfault.
Highly recommend!
Nancy Y,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour guide with a great deal of knowledge.
Detailed overview of St Marks and Doge Palace
Lara G,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00There is a lot of detail on this tour about art, history and the church. A lot. Louisa was extremely knowledgable, but how much can you hear about mosaics?
Interesting and informative but too big a group
66amandas,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very interesting and definitely worth paying for a tour as you learn so much more, our guide was Luisa and she was very knowledgeable. The only down side was the group size of 24, it was too many people in one group, which made it hard to stay close together and so the headphone reception would cut it, which you definitely needed in a group that size. I’ll be more selective on who I book toes with in future!
Exceptional tour with Susan
Roving11339555466,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fantastic Venice guided tour with Susan. Her academic knowledge of the history of Venice is exceptional, and she has a remarkable ability to present it in a way that is both engaging and accessible to an informed general audience. The tour was insightful, well-paced, and thoroughly enjoyable — truly a memorable experience.
Ledgendary Venice Tour with Walks
traceys765,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Iola was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She bought the past to life. We have use Walks for tours throughout Europe for over 6 years and have never been disappointed with a singe tour.
a must see
Aron A,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00there are a lot of stairs to climb. our guide was very informative and was helpful to all that participated.
Fantastic tour
driftyg2023,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan was an absolutely incredible guide, really knowledgeable and friendly and gave some fantastic recommendations. We took the morning trip, which was incredible. Thank you so much for the incredible experience!
Early entry is amazing
c0rnelia56,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour the early entry to the palace is so good! Suzanne was a great tour guide Worth the early start
Great Tour!
Kendal F,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tulia was a knowledgeable tour guide and gave a great tour! Highly recommend booking. Easy to find the meeting point
From €74.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain